Britain’s Princess Anne will not attend the state banquet for Japan’s Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, after sustaining a head injury in an incident believed to have involved a horse.
Buckingham Palace on Monday said the princess sustained minor injuries and a concussion following the incident. She is believed to have come in contact with a horse when she was walking on the grounds of the Gatcombe Park estate where her home is located.
Officials said the princess is in hospital and recovering. But heeding advice from her doctors, the princess will not attend the state dinner for the Japanese imperial couple to be hosted by King Charles at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday.
The 73-year-old princess is the eldest daughter of the late Queen Elizabeth II and is King Charles’ younger sister.
The princess is known for her passion for horse riding. She competed at the 1976 Olympics in Montreal as a member of the British equestrian team. She rode on horseback during an event earlier this month to celebrate King Charles’ birthday.
During a visit to Japan in 2019, Princess Anne and her husband were invited by the Emperor and Empress to their residence.